Excludes the possibility of talks with groups that have taken up arms against the state
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi addresses the media on Friday, December 19, 2025.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said the imposition of governor’s rule depends on the performance of the provincial government, adding that if the provincial administration cooperates effectively with federal and state institutions, such a measure would not be necessary.
Addressing the media, the governor said if the provincial government supported the federal and state institutions adequately, the federal government would have no justification to impose the governor’s rule.
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Kundi categorically rejected the possibility of talks with groups that have taken up arms against the state. “We will not engage for a single minute with those who oppose the state, who do not accept the Constitution and laws of Pakistan and who are responsible for the martyrdom of our children and security personnel,” he said.
Referring to attacks on security installations, he said, these elements were involved in attacks on cadet colleges, FC headquarters, police training schools, military convoys and police personnel.
The governor stressed that the provincial government must work in coordination with state institutions to maintain law and order and engage with the federal government on outstanding issues, including payment of dues owed to the province.
He added that peace and stability were essential for prosperity and development. “If discussions are taking place on these issues, why would the governor’s rule be imposed? » he questioned.
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He cautioned, however, against allowing Afghan refugees to remain unregulated. “If it is decided that Afghan refugees will not be returned and they continue to stay while conditions deteriorate, suicide attacks occur and our people are martyred – and yet talks are held with them and offices are provided – then the situation may get worse,” he said.
The governor asked, “Have you ever heard of a country where a Pakistani citizen can live without a visa? Such people are either deported or imprisoned.”
Kundi said the millions of Afghans who had been living in Pakistan for 40 years should return to their home country and re-enter legally. “It is not acceptable to move freely within Pakistan without a visa,” adding that Pakistan would adhere to international treaties that allow residence in a country only with a valid visa.
Commenting on the 14-year prison sentence handed down to former ISI chief Faiz Hameed, the governor called it a “good measure”. “Every institution has good and bad people,” he said, adding that accountability must apply to all. “Whether it is politicians, judges or members of the armed forces, until there is a proper system of accountability and punishment, things cannot improve. »
Responding to a question on negotiations with the PTI, he said, “It is a good thing that the PTI now remembers that dialogue must also take place. He recalled that when the PTI was invited to enter into negotiations or agree on a Democracy Charter or an Economy Charter, it refused. “They said they didn’t want to shake our hands and considered sitting together an insult,” he said.
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He further said that there has been no formal contact between Pakistan People’s Party and PTI so far. “If contact is established, the party leadership will decide what needs to be done,” he said.
However, Kundi expressed reservations about the PTI’s approach. “I think they laid the wrong foundation,” he said. “If the negotiations are based on a less PML-N formula… how can meaningful dialogue take place?” he concluded.
